Review by Choice Review
A pan-Indian ideology based on contemporary constructs of the past characterizes many publications. Its originators emphasize the balance and harmony of the precontact era of American Indian history and stress the harm done by the duplicitous Europeans and Americans. This ideology pervades Indian country and the speeches of most Indian political leaders, elected and appointed. It is based on a factual but advocative reading of history. Leading exponents include Vine Deloria, Jr., Jack Weatherford, and numerous others; it is implicitly accepted by many non-Indians. George-Kanentiio is a leading proponent, providing an Iroquois interpretation of the meaning of culture and history. He descries a peaceful Iroquois nation following the prescription of the Peacemaker, developing the first democracy in America and offering its wisdom to all nations. This is a wonderful book because it clearly explicates contemporary Pan-Indian ideology. It should be read in conjunction with scholarly studies of Iroquois history like those of Francis Jennings to provide balance. Strongly recommended for students of contemporary Indian issues and undergraduate library collections. G. Gagnon University of North Dakota
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
These books provide current commentary and thought on Iroquois-United States relationships from the perspective of key leaders within the Iroquois Nations. These relationships are framed in terms of Iroquois cultural mores and traditions and the importance of personal honor and trustworthiness. George-Kanentiio, a journalist and member of the board of trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian, provides a detailed opinion and history of family values, spiritual and traditional knowledge, politics and sovereignty, natural law, and traditional spiritual and political leaders within the Iroquois Nations. He also initiates a critical dialog about and provides background for understanding previous treaties and Iroquois views of these documents. The Treaty of Canandaigua provides a tightly focused examination of one of the most important treaties between the United States and the Iroquois Confederacy. In accord with the Treaty of Canandaigua, signed in 1794, the various Iroquois Nations of the Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, Tuscarora, and Cayuga were observed to have full legal title to their lands. This treaty was formalized by President George Washington and ratified by Congress. This book represents a forum for Iroquois scholars and leaders to speak candidly about a number of issues related to treaty politics, treaty relations, and sovereignty. The bulk of the text is in the form of addresses, speeches, and essaysÄa number of which commemorate the treaty and what it has symbolized to the Iroquois. Ironically, even after more than 200 years of neglect and U.S. abuse of the treaty, the Iroquois see it as one of their best hopes for retaining sovereignty and establishing strong moral and legal claims to traditional tribal lands. The sentiment and views expressed by George-Kanentiio blend elegantly with these pieces, serving as an excellent reference point for understanding the latter. Both books fill a definite need for written expressions of traditional Native American views and impressions regarding over 200 years of political interaction with Europeans and Americans in North America. Both books also serve as an important and critical vantage point concerning sovereignty and self-determinism among indigenous populations.ÄJohn E. Dockall, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Library Journal Review
